Getting/staying fit in high risk pregnancy

[SecretHappiness]

I’m 13 ½ wks and high-risk (low implantation, placenta praevia, veering over c-section scar). Baby seems snug and doing well from all tests and monitoring. But given everything, I’ve been advised to avoid lifting, sex, and anything that puts pressure on my core/pelvic area.

There’s a strong chance of an early c-section and possible hysterectomy, which I’ve made peace with. I also have a 4yr old DC so I want to get/stay as fit as possible to help my body cope with what will be major surgery and recovery.

Problem is, I’m not sure what exercises are safe! I wasn’t too fit pre-pregnancy (a little overweight actually 😬) but I had started to enjoy some strength training (no-go now) and squats (also out, seemingly).

Walking is good, but too far/long can start to make me ache around the pelvis.

I was thinking maybe a stationary bike? (could possibly pick up a second hand one from facebook marketplace 🤔) Although I would prefer something that doesn’t require more clutter additional equipment.

I’m not a fitness fanatic, but I suddenly feel it’s crucial for getting through this. Any ideas on how to safely raise my heart rate without straining my core?

Thank you!

(PS: I will of course also ask my medical team too, but I’m not due another appt for 2 ½ weeks)

Swimming? It's great in pregnancy as you feel weightless in the water and eases all the pressure on your joints.

@HappierTimesAhead that is a great suggestion and when I did go recently it felt really good to be floating in water. But it was part of a spa day and if I’m honest I’m usually over it after 15 mins and don’t particularly enjoy it as an exercise activity as I’m an awful swimmer, my skin and hair always feel awful for days after and I just end up quite irritated. I know it sounds strange as most people I know love swimming but I just could never get on with it 😬

I'd listen to what your Drs have told you. I found this online:

"Absolute contraindications to exercise include diagnosis of placenta previa, incompetent cervix, second or third trimester bleeding, preterm premature rupture of membranes, preterm labor, significant heart or lung disease, preeclampsia, or severe anemia. Patients with such high-risk diagnoses are encouraged to ambulate rather than exercise to minimize their risk of thromboembolism.[7][8]" but I can't read the full text of the sources so make of it what you will.

I was very active pre-pregnancy and in the first and second trimester but I've had to stop everything after bleeding and premature membrane rupture. It's not worth the risk imo.

What about pregnancy yoga? I've been going to a local YogaBellies class (it's a franchise so might be some in your area). To be honest it's not very energetic! It starts off with a pregnancy related theme for the week, then some calm breathing, a little gentle yoga) and then a nice 5 min lie down!

Even better, I've made some friends and we had a coffee together this weekend - I can't tell you how lovely it was and how happy I am to now know a few really nice girls in my area who will have babies at the same time.

I'd definitely ask your Dr etc for advice before going but might be good to see if it's available in your area?

I would just stick to light walking and maybe look on YouTube for some gentle pregnancy yoga and pilates.
Nothing now strenuous than that and stop before you reach the point of discomfort.

I had complete placenta previa and was told by my fantastic senior midwife that I could keep up cardio and strength training once I didn’t lift over my head or over 10kg, lunges and glute bridges were a huge part of my weekly workouts for most of it, just not squats. I kept up these classes from 14 weeks until 32 weeks ( I was too sick up to 14 weeks to manage them), had no bleeds or issues during this time. Ended up having two bleeds before hospital admission that happened when I hadn’t been doing any exercise at all, when I spent my days napping and lying around was when the bleeds started!

This is good to hear. I think I will wait to speak to my medical team as I don’t want to cause any issues but I really don’t want to atrophy for however many months I have left 😅
It’s good to hear you were able to continue with cardio and modified strength training. I really do feel like I want/need to move more. Even just doing some stretching I feel better when I get blood pumping round my body at the moment.

Thanks for the input everyone. Some good ideas and I think i’ll wait to speak to my medical team about which of these is most recommended given where I’m at.
Thanks again